The Los Angeles Lakers have hired Miami Heat executive Eric Amsler as an assistant general manager, sources confirmed to The Athletic on September 9, 2026. This move represents a significant step in bolstering the team's front office under General Manager Rob Pelinka. It comes as the Lakers seek to improve their basketball operations.
Who is Eric Amsler?
Eric Amsler brings over two decades of experience from the Miami Heat organization. He started with the Heat in 2004, working his way up through various personnel and scouting roles. His most recent position was Vice President of Player Personnel, a role where he was deeply involved in talent evaluation and roster construction. Amsler's extensive background in scouting is seen as a major asset for a Lakers team aiming to build a more sustainable contender. His hiring follows a clear directive from Rob Pelinka to strengthen the front office's infrastructure.
Why does this hire matter for the Lakers?
This is the second major front-office addition for the Lakers this summer. They previously brought in former New Orleans Pelicans executive Rohan Ramadas as an assistant general manager focused on strategy and analytics. Pelinka had publicly stated his intention to fill these roles at the end of last season. "A lot of the infrastructure is being built," Pelinka said. "We will continue to staff out with assistant general manager positions. Those will be two key pillars that we'll add for this offseason." The dual hires of Amsler and Ramadas signal a commitment to a more modern, data-informed approach to team building. You can track the evolving roster on our roster page.
The timing is also notable. The hire coincides with a transition in team ownership, moving from Mark Walter's tenure to a new group led by Josh Kushner. Establishing a strong, experienced front office provides stability during this period of change. For a franchise with championship expectations, improving decision-making behind the scenes is as important as any player transaction.
What comes next for the Lakers' front office?
With two assistant GM positions now filled, the Lakers' basketball operations department appears more strong. The immediate focus will be on integrating Amsler and Ramadas into their new roles. Amsler's scouting expertise will be vital for the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency periods. Pelinka mentioned he would be headed to the combine, indicating that talent evaluation is already a top priority. The team's performance last season, including that final 110-115 playoff loss, shows the need for smart roster moves.
Looking ahead, the front office must handle the offseason to address the team's weaknesses. This includes evaluating current player contracts, potential trades, and draft prospects. The analytics focus brought by Ramadas and the seasoned scouting eye of Amsler should provide Pelinka with a wider range of insights. Fans can follow potential roster changes and player stats on our stats page. The ultimate goal is clear: to build a team capable of returning to title contention and reversing the disappointing trends of the recent past. The work of this newly structured front office will be under the microscope from day one.
